shops. The reason for the renewed interest in cotton as the sweater fabric is that for many, it is more comfortable to wear indoors, more comfortable to wear as part of the layered look, and can be worn in snowy Vail or sunny Lauderdale. To give you a good idea of the popularity of sweaters, ac- cording to Orman, this will be the highest sweater season for Freed's in the history of the store. "It's a continuation of the casual look, the Calfornia in- fluence," continued Orman. 'And now that color has no boundaries, some of the sweat- ers are spectacular, making their own distinctive statement." The boldness of the sweaters has had an impact on the look for trousers. The baggy look of the last couple of years is toned down. Although the pants are still full, they are not as extreme. Pant patterns are also more toned down so that the focus of attention remains on the sweat- er. Fabrics for trousers remain the traditional cotton, cord or gabardine with khaki, black, brown and olive selling best and navy and burgundy corn- ing in a close second. "The layered look remains im- portant," says Heidi Wolrauch of L'Uomo Vogue in Southfield. "There is a lot of pattern play and combinations of solids and patterns that can give each out- fit it's own individuality. It won't be at all unusual to see the well dressed man wearing pattern trousers with a turtleneck, a cardigan, a sport jacket and a three quarter length coat." Outerwear Coats range from the blousson look to mid-thigh car coats to ultra-long overcoats. Dacron-wool navy stripe six-button double-breasted suit, $250, from Palm Beach.